Overview

In 2020 united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care including 11 hospitals and nearly 5000 physicians and providers. Together we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

Responsibilities

This job is responsible for providing technical expertise and professional support for the Virginia Mason Production System (VMPS) implementation and ongoing program(s) focused on improving healthcare operations through the application of VMFS/Lean concepts. An incumbent works in partnership with business units, Kaizen Promotion Office (KPO) leaders and staff to develop and apply approved VMPS/Lean methods and assure adherence to the standards and practices of VMPS/Lean concepts and thinking. An incumbent makes decisions, in conjunction with KPO leaders/staff regarding the design and guidance of VMPS improvement projects, resolution of day-to-day improvement project issues, advising on prioritization of improvement projects and evaluating project results. Work focuses on point (process or unit-based) and line (cross-functional) improvements and relationships with all levels of staff, clinicians and leadership to influence sustainable improvement across the organization and requires the ability to influence positive outcomes through trusted partnerships and positive consultative relations.

Work includes: 1) serving as an organizational resource for VMPS training/facilitation, including related presentation, education, counseling and coaching activities; 2) facilitating unit-based and cross-departmental improvement activities (e.g. target setting, kaizen events, staff idea generation) as directed by KPO leadership and in collaboration with operational teams; 3) recommending best courses of action related to data collection plans, sequence of kaizen activities, target setting for improvement work and 4) problem-solving, troubleshooting and appropriate escalation of issue to higher-level management per established procedures. An incumbent also provides independent leadership in regard to improvement events with varying levels of complexity that involve confirming project scope, studying processes/workflow, analyzing complex data, identifying potential barriers and facilitating idea generation, innovation and related testing/implementing of same.

This job differs from the VMPS Specialist I level by facilitating more complex initiatives/projects and greater responsibility and independence with mid-level activities (e.g. RPIWs, Innovation Events, departmental kaizen plans, stewardship of organization-wide VMPS initiatives, etc.).

Key contacts are generally with VMPS, KPO and/or VMFH leadership, steering committees and multiple cross-functional or cross-organizational teams where diplomacy, sensitivity, conflict resolution and consensus-building skills are required. Also requires the ability to exert influence without direct authority with participating leaders and teams. An incumbent utilizes considerable knowledge of the VMPS/Lean arsenal of problem-solving processes, tools and methodologies, as well as knowledge of the organization’s mission/quality needs and the healthcare industry in general, to consult effectively on large-scale strategic initiatives/projects, to recognize important synergies and produce tangible breakthroughs in performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the requirements of the position, and 1 to 3 years’ of related quality/process improvement work experience that would demonstrate attainment of the requisite job knowledge/skills, including a minimum of two years providing consulting services utilizing Lean methodologies in a large organizational setting.

• Work experience in leading/facilitating progressively more complex projects/initiatives and influencing change outside the scope of direct accountability is required.

• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in a discipline related to the requirements of the position.

Pay Range

$33.53 - $48.63 /hour

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.